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How to avoid rental scams

INDIANAPOLIS Ind. (WISH) – If you’re looking to rent or buy a house police say make sure you do your homework before you sign on the dotted line or you could fall victim to a scam. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Fraud division and real estate experts warn about the issue and WISH TV has compiled a list of tips to avoid becoming a victim of a rental scam.

Number one, know the housing market and what properties rent or sell for.

Real Estate Agent Laura O’Conner says if it’s super cheap for a lot of square feet do your background research.

“With technology today and with all of our information online it’s very easy for someone to take all the information that is online, that are for sale. They can get room dimensions they can get pictures,” said O’Conner.

O’Conner also says look up the property owner on the County’s Assessor’s website. Sometimes it’s free or for a small charge you can search by the address or the owner. Or you can contact a real estate agent and ask if the property is listed in their system.

Number two: she says always ask to see the inside of the property.

“If they can’t get you inside the apartment they are giving you excuses why they can’t show it to you or why they can’t meet you there or get the money to exchange the keys off site. Those would be red flags,” said O’Conner.

Number three: If the landlord or person renting the property asks you to wire the first month’s rent or a deposit O’Conner says if you don’t know the person don’t wire them money.

“If anybody is forcing you money before you give them money before they give you anything you don’t want to work with them,” said O’Conner.

Number four: Hire a building inspector to look over the property. One home renovator we spoke to said sometimes rental scammers will buy cheap materials and use unsafe tactics to make the house look legitimate.

Number five: Listen to your gut.

“You need to start to listen to your intuition,” said O’Connor. “If you start getting those feelings don’t push them aside thinking well I really need a house take the time to vet these things out.”

One last quick tip from IMPD, ask for an ID and business card from the seller, then verify it with the company and the police if need be.